Seasonal Gardener- Horticulture and Landscape

Job Description

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University seeks a dynamic and diverse group of individuals to fill seasonal positions. This Seasonal Gardener job is a six-month term appointment starting in the early spring of 2026. We have five openings for staff who will work Monday through Friday and one opening for staff who will work Sunday through Thursday.

The successful candidates will join the Arboretum’s Horticulture and Landscape Department in the stewardship of one of the finest and most significant woody plant collections in North America. The Seasonal Gardeners work alongside the Arboretum’s team of horticulture and landscape staff responsible for the holistic care of the 281-acre landscape. Seasonal Gardeners assist with such tasks including mowing, lawn maintenance, string trimming, IPM (integrated pest management) practices, transplanting, pruning, weed management, mulching and composting, leaf clean-up, watering, invasive species management, and various types of landscape maintenance and collection renovation projects.

About Us

The Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre museum of trees teaching the world about plants. With one of the world’s most biodiverse collections of temperate woody plants, combined with world-class scientific resources, and a commitment to diverse programming, the Arnold Arboretum has been a leader in horticulture since its founding in 1872. As part of the Boston Parks system, it is free and open to all daily; we host three to four million visitors each year.

Duties & Responsibilities

The people in this role will assist Horticulture & Landscape staff members with various tasks, including:

-Weeding
-Mulching
-Litter management
-Brush chipping
-Pruning
-Transplanting
-Watering
-IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices
-Mowing, string trimming, and leaf clean-up
-Trained in operation and maintenance of various equipment
-Landscape maintenance and collection renovation projects as needed
-Other related job duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

A minimum of one (1) year experience in horticulture or a related field
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license
Must be able to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 pounds
Must be able to stand for eight hours a day
Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons
Must serve as essential staff for weather-related emergencies impacting the grounds

Additional Information

This benefits-eligible position will end six months from the date of hire. Benefits start on the date of hire. Hourly wage: $24.94. Schedule: 40 hours (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM).

Note: As part of the pre-hire process, a D.O.T. Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Drug Screening, and an RMV check for a valid driver’s license are required at Harvard’s expense.

Application Instructions

Apply online:
https://careers.harvard.edu/job/seasonal-gardener-horticulture-and-landscape-6-month-term-appointment-in-boston-ma-united-states-jid-838